10 Fascinating Facts About Chelsea Manalo, Miss Universe Philippines 2024

The Philippines has a new queen! Chelsea Anne Manalo, representing Bulacan, was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2024 on May 22 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The 24-year-old Filipino-American beauty queen captivated the judges and audience with her stunning looks, undeniable charisma, and inspiring advocacy.

As she prepares to represent the country at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant in Mexico, let’s dive into 10 fascinating facts about this rising star.

1. She’s Making History as the First Filipino-Black American Miss Universe Philippines

Chelsea Manalo is breaking barriers and challenging traditional beauty standards in the Philippines. Born to a Filipino mother and an African-American father, she is the first biracial Filipino woman to win the Miss Universe Philippines title. Her historic victory is a significant step towards promoting a more diverse and inclusive definition of Filipino beauty.

2. She Started Modeling at the Young Age of 14

Chelsea’s journey in the fashion industry began early. At just 14 years old, she started working as a model for various magazines, fashion designers, and commercial brands. Her experience in front of the camera undoubtedly contributed to her confidence and poise on the Miss Universe Philippines stage.

3. She’s a Tourism Graduate with a Passion for Music and Dance

Manalo graduated from college with a degree in tourism, showcasing her love for travel and exploring different cultures.

8 Beyond her academic pursuits, she has a deep passion for music and dance, often expressing her desire to simply have fun and dance around.

4. She’s an Advocate for Youth Empowerment and Indigenous Education

Chelsea is more than just a pretty face; she’s a woman with a mission. Her advocacy focuses on youth empowerment, particularly on providing quality education to children in indigenous communities.

18 She aims to create opportunities for indigenous youth to unlock their full potential and build a brighter future.

5. She Overcame Bullying and Insecurities as a Biracial Filipino

Growing up as a Filipino-Black American, Chelsea faced bullying and insecurities due to her skin color and hair type. However, with the support of her family and friends, she learned to embrace her unique beauty and build self-confidence. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many who have experienced similar challenges.

6. She’s a Proud Fur Parent to Several Dogs

When she’s not busy with her modeling and pageant duties, Chelsea enjoys the company of her furry friends. She’s a loving fur parent to several dogs, including a shih tzu, basset hound, and pomchi. Her love for animals showcases her nurturing and compassionate nature.

7. She’s No Stranger to the Pageant World

Miss Universe Philippines 2024 wasn’t Chelsea’s first foray into the world of pageantry. She started joining beauty competitions in high school and even competed in Miss World Philippines 2017, where she finished in the Top 15. 

Her prior experience undoubtedly prepared her for the rigorous journey to the Miss Universe Philippines crown.

8. Her Winning Answer Highlighted Her Resilience and Influence

During the final Q&A portion of the pageant, Chelsea was asked how she would use her beauty and confidence to empower others. Her response was both heartfelt and powerful.

She shared her experiences as a woman of color facing challenges and beauty standards, but emphasized the importance of self-belief and upholding personal values. 

Chelsea expressed her desire to influence and inspire other women through her journey.

9. She Has a Strong Support System in Her Family

Chelsea credits her success to the unwavering support of her family, especially her mother. Despite her parents’ separation, she was raised in a loving home by her mother and stepfather. Her mother’s encouragement to believe in herself and embrace her individuality has been a driving force in Chelsea’s life.

Her mother, Contessa Manalo, is Filipino, and her father was American. Following her parents’ separation in 2000 and her father’s subsequent passing, her mother remarried. Manalo was brought up by her mother and her stepfather, Randy Angeles.

10. She’s Aiming for the Philippines’ Fifth Miss Universe Crown

As Miss Universe Philippines 2024, Chelsea Manalo will represent the country at the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico later this year. She hopes to bring home the fifth Miss Universe crown for the Philippines, following in the footsteps of Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Moran (1973), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), and Catriona Gray (2018). 

With her beauty, intelligence, and passion for making a difference, Chelsea is undoubtedly a strong contender for the international title.

Conclusion

Chelsea Manalo’s journey to the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 crown is a testament to her resilience, beauty, and dedication to making a positive impact.

As she embarks on her reign and prepares for the Miss Universe stage, the entire nation rallies behind her, excited to see her showcase the best of the Philippines to the world.

With her historic win, inspiring advocacy, and captivating personality, Chelsea Manalo is undoubtedly a queen to watch.